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Rainforest Rangers

Rainforest Rangers help protect the animals that roam around freely in our Rainforest exhibit while answering questions and giving mini tours to enhance guests experiences. You’ll be surrounded by sloths, monkeys, poison dart frogs, bats, and more! Once you’ve attended one hour-and-half long training, you’re free to volunteer as often as you would like. The minimum requirement is 4 hours per month. The Rainforest is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day and volunteer shifts are typically 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

What are the benefits of being a Rainforest Ranger?

The benefits are many and the rewards are great! As a Rainforest Ranger, you have the opportunity to be a part of a WILDLY fun organization that appreciates and respects its volunteers. Additional benefits include:

Volunteers receive a free associate level membership upon joining that allows you plus one guest to visit the zoo for free anytime you like. You may upgrade to a higher membership and receive a $55 discount at anytime. If you complete 50 volunteer hours during the year, you will continue to receive the associate level membership for free each year. Also, upon renewal, you will receive 10 free passes to hand out to friends and family.

Volunteers receive a 50 percent discount on all food and drink concessions when on duty. This discount is not available at concession carts such as Dippin’ Dots. You may also receive soda and coffee for 25 cents if you supply your own cup.

Volunteers are recognized formally and informally throughout the year. All active volunteers are invited to the Volunteer Breakfast in the spring, National Volunteer Appreciation Week events in April, and the volunteer Appreciation Dinner in November. At this event, volunteers are recognized for milestone service anniversaries such as 5 years, 10 years, etc. and for service above and beyond their job descriptions. Awards and volunteer appreciation event are subject to change.

As a volunteer, you are able to access VIC Net, an internet-based program where you can view upcoming events and sign up for activities. Once logged in, volunteers can read e-mail, open links to PDF documents like the Zoo Bites Newsletter, see upcoming events and view their hours to date and other information.

Volunteers are required to maintain a Zoo Friends membership. As a member, you will receive the monthly email newsletter sent to all Zoo Friends. This will include upcoming events, classes and other interesting information.